In a major bombshell on the eve of one of the biggest matches in its 73-year history, Adelaide Croatia Raiders have parted ways with its senior head coach.
According to a breaking press statement released late on Tuesday morning, the South Australian NPL club announced it had parted ways with senior coach Vlado Blažeka (pictured above).
“From the bottom of our hearts, we thank Vlado for all his contribution to our club. Foremost, for leading ACR (Croatia) back into the NPL.
“This was achieved in his first year of senior coaching,” the club stated in its press release. This release was first issued on its official Social Media platform.
“Vlado’s passion for Adelaide Croatia Raiders and his commitment to the team will forever leave a lasting impact,” continued the statement by the Gepps Cross based club.
Raiders to clash with rivals in Cup qualifier
The Raiders are set to meet old rivals FK Beograd in an Australia Cup qualifier on Wednesday night at ServiceFM Stadium.
Having lost to the Serbian club 0-3 in an NPL SA league clash a fortnight ago, Croatia heads into Wednesday night’s clash anchored to the bottom of the NPL standings.
Additionally, they will be the firm underdogs in their attempt to qualify for the national Round of 32 phase of the Australia Cup for the first time ever.
“We would also like to thank Frank Ammirato for his contribution to our Club, particularly for his assistance to Vlado over this last season,” continued the statement.
“We wish them both all the very best in their future endeavours,” concluded the press statement by the Adelaide Croatia Raiders’ committee. This was issued on Tuesday morning.
Interim coach Phil Scardignio will be at the helm of the Raiders for Wednesday’s Cup clash. He will be assisted by former Raiders’ player Brenton Hiern.
Wednesday night’s Australia Cup match between Adelaide Croatia Raiders and FK Beograd – which also doubles as the SA Federation Cup semi-final – will be streamed live on YouTube from 7:30pm (SA time). Watch it live at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@footballsouthaustralia
